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THE FOREST RING 

A PLAY IN THREE ACTS 



By WILLIAM C. deMILLE and CHARLES BARNARD 



Digitized by the Internet Archive 
in 2011 with funding from 
The Library of Congress 



http://www.archive.org/details/forestringplayinOOdemi 



THE FOREST RING 

A PLAY IN THREE ACTS 



By WILLIAM C. deMILLE and CHARLES BARNARD 



THE FOREST RING 
CHARACTERS 

Fairies 

Arbutus, a poor but honest Fairy Queen 
Moss Bud, her daughter 
Peach Bloom, the Queen* s attendant 
Mouse Ear, The Queen's attendant 
Quicksilver, a fairy messenger-boy 

Animals 
Ursa, a bear 
Antlers, a deer 
White Face, a fox 
Blinkers, an owl 

Human Beings 

Jane Adams, a New York girl spending her vacation in the 

Adirondacks 
Aunt Sabrina Watson, a widow 
Thomas, her son 

Hank Struble, trapper and pot-hunter. In love with Aunt 

Sabrina 

©CI.D 5 91 18 



1 4 1921 

Copyright, 1921, by William C de Mille and Charles Barnard. 

No performance of "The Forest Ring" (amateur or professional) may be given without the 
written permission of the author, who may be addressed care of the publishers, Little, Brown 
& Company, Boston. 



THE FOREST RING 
ACT I 

Scene. A Fairy Ring in the forest, by moonlight. Soft music, 
imitating sounds of crickets, tree-toads, and katydids. The Ring 
marked by an arc of a circle of light. Moonlight through foliage. 
Music through first scene. Hollow tree up left. Curtain discovers 
Arbutus asleep, with Peach Bloom and Mouse Ear asleep at her feet 

Mouse Ear wakes up, looks about and falls asleep again. 
Peach Bloom wakes and listens, and then wakes Mouse Ear. 
peach bloom (to Mouse Ear). 

Hark! What distant sound is that I hear? 
It cannot be a stranger ventures near! 
Wake, sister, for our vigil must not cease — 

mouse ear (sleepily). 

'Tis nothing. Can't you let me sleep in peace? 

PEACH BLOOM. 

Wake up! I fancied that I something heard. 
mouse ear (drowsily). 

'Twas but the drowsy summer wind that stirred. 

PEACH BLOOM. 

I'm sure I heard a footstep in the dell. 

MOUSE EAR. 

'Tis but the tinkle of some cowslip's bell. 

PEACH BLOOM. 

Ah, well — the night sounds always seem quite new; 
(Music stops) 

It must have been a wood-sprite in the — in the 

What rhymes with new, Mouse Ear? 



476 A Treasury of Plays for Children 

mouse ear (yawns). Oh, I don't know! What's the use of 
talking in verse, anyhow? These modern folks have knocked 
all the poetry out of our business, and I'm going to use 
everyday prose after this. Why, they even say there are 
no fairies. 

peach bloom. Hush! Don't Itet Arbutus hear you say that. 

mouse ear. Why not? Everybody knows it. 

peach bloom. Yes, I know. But, for the last seventy-five 
or eighty years, she has been worrying herself sick because 
people don't believe in us. It was bad enough when grown- 
ups forgot us, but now even children do not believe in fairies. 

mouse ear. Well, what can we do? Modern folks won't be- 
lieve in us until they've seen us. And you know it's against 
the fairy law for us to show ourselves to anyone who doesn't 
believe in us, — isn't it? 

peach bloom. Ah, times have changed since the good old days 
before Jack's bean-stalk withered away! 

mouse ear. Yes, — then we used to get our salary every ten 
or fifteen years, but now it's only paid by the century! 

peach bloom. Yes, and it hasn't been paid at all since the 
day St. George killed the dragon. 
[Both sigh. 

mouse ear. Poor Queen, — she tries so hard to make both 
ends meet. 

peach bloom. Hush, what's that? 

mouse ear. There's something coming through the glade 

peach bloom. I knew I heard something. 
[Both rise and cross to left of stage. 

mouse ear (looking off). It looks like a fairy 

peach bloom. It is a fairy. 

mouse ear. Why — it's Moss Bud ! 

peach bloom. It can't be; — she's at boarding-school. 

mouse ear. It is, though. Let's go and meet her 

peach bloom (detaining her). We mustn't leave the Queen. 

both (calling softly). Moss Bud! Moss Bud! 

[Enter Moss Bud, running lightly across the stage; she em- 
braces Peach Bloom and Mouse Ear. 



The Forest Ring 477 

moss bud. Peach Bloom — Mouse Ear! Oh, how good it is 
to be home again! Where's mamma? 

mouse ear. There. But Her Majesty gave express orders 
that she was not to be awakened until Quicksilver returned. 

moss bud. Why, where has he gone? 

peach bloom. Arbutus sent him out with orders not to come 
back until he had found some man, woman or child who be- 
lieves in fairies. 

moss bud. Poor mamma — the same old trouble 

mouse ear. But tell us, why are you home from school? 

moss bud. Why, don't you know? This is my birth-night 
and I'm fifty thousand years old! 

peach bloom. So it is. My ! you're getting to be quite a big 
girl. It's too bad the others are not here. 

moss bud. Why, where are the others? 

mouse ear {confidentially). They're all boarding at the seaside 
for the summer. You see, business is so bad just now that 
Her Majesty couldn't afford to open her summer palace at 
Coral Reef, so she's staying quietly at home, with nobody 
to attend her but Peach Bloom, Quicksilver and me. 

moss bud. I suppose Quicksilver is getting to be quite a big 
boy now. 

peach bloom. Yes, but he never had to work so hard before. 
He only got the position of fairy messenger, because his uncle, 
Mercury, was the messenger of the gods. His "Uncle Merc" 
left him his winged shoes, but the careless boy lost one of 
them in the haunted pool, and whenever he tries to use the 
other he goes round and round in a circle! 
[They laugh. 

peach bloom. Here they come. 
[Enter Arbutus. 

arbutus {waking up) . Peach Bloom, Mouse Ear 

peach bloom and mouse ear {crossing to her). Yes, your 
Majesty. 

arbutus. Has Quicksilver returned yet? 

mouse ear. No, your Majesty — but somebody else has. 

arbutus. Who? What do you mean? 



478 A Treasury of Plays for Children 

moss bud (coming forward). Don't you know me, Mamma? 

arbutus. Why, Moss Bud! My darling child, how you have 
grown! I've been so worried over business trouble, that I 
quite forgot you were coming back to-night. (Embracing 
her) Welcome home again. I have sent for you in order to 
talk over serious matters. (Moss Bud makes a face) To 
begin with, how would you like to leave school for good? 

moss bud. Oh, Mamma, may I really? I'm so tired of being 
a school sprite, and I do want to be a real grown-up fairy. 

arbutus. Well, my dear, you shall be! This is your birth- 
night, and, although you are only fifty thousand years old 
and have not yet outgrown your girlish ways, still I have 
decided to admit you to full-fledged fairyhood — and teach 
you all the fairy duties. But I do not conceal from you that 
this doesn't mean as much as it once did. The fairy busi- 
ness is on the wane. In fact, we couldn't even make you a 
birthday cake because we couldn't afford to buy fifty thou- 
sand candles. 

moss bud. Never mind, Mamma. If the mortals do not be- 
lieve in us, we can at least believe in ourselves. 

arbutus. True, my child, but I'm getting disgusted with 
mortals. We fairies are helpless unless children have faith 
in us, and now all our hard work is in vain because the wise 
child of to-day, with all his learning, can't see us all around 
him! But it's got to stop! If Quicksilver is successful this 
time, I shall retire from the fairy business, and, as yon will 
succeed me on the throne, you shall learn, to-night, the use 
of the magic fairy wand, and the secret of the Ring. Peach 
Bloom, get my wand out of the camphor chest. It's been 
so long since I used it I've almost forgotten how. (Peach 
Bloom brings out wand and polishes it The wand glows with 
electrical effects when Arbutus uses it) Come, my daughter, 
give me your last kiss as a sprite — before you become a 
fairy ! 

[Moss Bud kisses her and kneels, with Peach Bloom on one 
side and Mouse Ear on the other. Arbutus raises the wand 
over her in speaking the following, to soft music. 



The Forest Ring 479 

Hear now, my child, that secret which, of old, 
We guarded well, and which is never told 
Without consent of Fairy Queen or King — 
Hear now the secret of the Forest Ring. 

Fairy of man, who knows the secret rare, 
Can see all creatures of the earth and air, 
Each as he is; and not as he appears 
To those who have not fairy eyes and ears. 

For every creature is a human thing 
Who, when he is outside the magic Ring, 
Is forced to wear the shape of beast or bird, 
And cannot speak a single human word. 

But every creature who shall make his way 
Into the Ring, before the dawn of day 
Is able, by the circle's magic powers, 
To wear his human shape a few short hours. 

Within the Forest Ring all quarrels cease — 
For all who enter it must be at peace 
Among themselves, and every living thing 
Is safe, when once within the Forest Ring. 

Take now this secret, Moss Bud, and beware 
Lest any undeserving mortal dare 
To steal it from you: For I bid you stand 
A sprite no more — but Princess of our band. 

{Arbutus raises Moss Bud, and gives wand to Peach Bloom. 

To the others) Salute your Princess. {Peach Bloom and 

Mouse Ear kneel and kiss Moss Bud's hand) Now, my child, 

do you understand the secret? 
moss bud. I think so. You mean that when wild animals 

come into the Ring, they look and talk just like human beings? 
arbutus. Yes, or rather that in the Ring they wear their 

true shapes, which are human. 



[Music stops. 



480 A Treasury of Plays for Children 

mouse ear (looking off). Your Majesty, three wild creatures 
are approaching the Ring. 

arbutus. Can you see who they are? 

peach bloom. Yes — Antlers, White Face, and Blinkers. 

arbutus (to Moss Bud) . Now, my child, you shall see how the 
magic power of the Ring transforms all creatures into then- 
true selves. 

[Enter, at back, Antlers, White Face, and Blinkers. They ap- 
pear as men, each wearing around him the skin of the animal 
he represents* They cross and bow to the Queen. 

antlers (roughly). Arbutus, we come for justice! 

white face (putting him aside). One moment, my dear friends. 
Good evening, your Majesty. May I hope your Majesty is 
as well as your Majesty's appearance is charming? 

blinkers (stands and nods sleepily and wisely) . Urn — Urn 

arbutus. Be welcome, friends. How can I help you? 

antlers. We refuse to submit any longer to 

white face (stopping him). My very dear fellow — let me 
explain. Your Majesty, we have the honour to be a com- 
mittee from the wild creatures of the forest, and we are sent 
to ask you to help us against a trapper who is violating the 
forest law by killing more than he can use! Things have 
come to such a pass, your Majesty, that we cannot leave our 
homes, to find food for our children, without great danger 
that, when we return, we will find the dead bodies of our little 
ones — which the unbeastly monster has skinned and thrown 



away 

antlers. It's worse than unbeastly — it's positively human ! 

We won't stand it, Arbutus ! We insist 

white face (stopping him) . Please — please (To A rbutus) 

We can understand, your Majesty, that a man must kill to eat; 
nd, since he has such a useless skin of his own, that he should 

desire to keep out the cold with one of ours. But this trapper 

takes the skins of our little ones, and sends them away 

blinkers (waking up) . And feathers — feathers — and tails 

— and heads of little owls — Ugh ! 

[Dozes again. 



The Forest Ring 481 

antlers. We want to kill him. It's his life or ours ! We want 

you to tell us how to 

white face (soothing him). All right, all right And so, your 

Majesty, the wild creatures thought that perhaps you could 

suggest some way of causing these outrages to stop before 

we are all killed. 
arbutus. My poor friends, I have often wondered how I 

could help you. Have any of you thought of a plan of 

action? 
antlers. Yes! Only let me meet him, when he has left his 

gun at home, and I promise you there will be no more 

trouble 

white face. Yes, but he is never without his gun. Now, I 

think that some nice, gentlemanly way would be much better 

— something without noise or bloodshed — such as putting 

poison in his well or 

arbutus. No, no, fairies can have nothing to do with any 

such action. What do you say, Blinkers, — you, the wisest 

of all birds? 
blinkers (waking up) . Eh — oh — I think — if you want to 

stop it — it must be stopped — by — by — stopping it — 

then it will stop 

moss bud. Oh, Mamma, I know. Let me use the magic 

wand and enchant the bad trapper. 

arbutus. No, my child, it would be useless 

moss bud. Why? 

arbutus. Because, in order that the wand may have magic 

power when used in human affairs, it can only be used at 

the request of some child who believes in fairies. "This is one 

of those cases in which nothing can be done until such a 

child is found. 
antlers. A good child who believes in fairies. Well, that 

settles us — there's no such thing as a good child ! 
moss bud. Oh, yes, there must be. Quicksilver will surely 

find one to-night. 
peach bloom (who has been watching). Your Majesty, there 

is a man coming towards the Ring. 



482 A Treasury of Plays for Children 

all. A man ! 

blinkers (frightened). A man — well — very sorry — good- 
night. 
[Starts to go. 

arbutus. Wait, Blinkers — everyone is safe in the Ring. 
Hide among the trees until we see who it is. It may be 
some one who believes in fairies. 

[Animals and Fairies hide. Enter Hank Struble, the trapper, 
armed with a gun, a huge hunting-knife in his belt. He steals 
up to the cave and looks in cautiously. Examines the ground 
in front of the cave. 

hank (looking at tracks). By mighty! If this ain't the iden- 
tical cave where I bagged them three cubs this mornin' ! The 
old bar hain't come back yet — eh? Waal, I guess I might 's 
well wait here for her, an' make a clean job of the whole 
family. Lemme see, ef I git five dollars apiece for the cubs' 
skins, the ole bar's ought to fetch ten. How Sabriny will 
stare when I give her twenty-five dollars fur a weddin' pres- 
ent! I guess things is all fixed at last. Sabriny said to 
come 'round to-morrow mornin', an' if she hadn't changed 
her mind by then I could tell folks we was engaged. (Set- 
ting himself down on the ground with gun ready to fire) I hope 
them 'air cubs won't keep Sabriny awake all night. They 
did make a powerful squealin' when I locked 'em up in her 
cellar; the'r safe enough though, unless they can break that 
air newfangled Yale lock. Lemme see, where'd I put that 
key? (Feeling in his pockets) Oh, here it is — that letter 
from New York offerin' me five dollars fur every cub skin I 
could git. Just come in handy. Feller writ that he wants 
to make 'em inter floor-mats — cover the bare spots in the 
settin'-room carpet, I s'pose. (Laughs) Don't that beat 
all — (Shivers) By mighty, nights is getting consider- 
able chilly; must be past midnight — (Yawns) I'll just 
lie down a spell. 'Ef the old bar comes back, I guess 
I kin hear her in time to shoot — (Yawns) Ain't it 
queer how the woods make a feller feel — sorter drowsy 
— (Nods) Cur'us how the pine trees are whisperin' 



The Forest Ring 483 

together 's if they was talkin' in their sleep — sounds just 
like ... 

[Falls asleep, with the upper part of his body in the Ring. 
Animals and Fairies come down. 

antlers (creeps up and looks carefully at Hank). That's the 
man, — I'd know him anywhere. Now, I've got him just 
where I want him ! (Advances threateningly). I'll just stamp 
his life out before 

arbutus. Stop, Antlers. Don't you see he is in the Ring? 
You dare not touch him! 

white face. But, your Majesty, he's only half in the Ring! 
Couldn't we kill the outside half? 

arbutus. No, the law of the Ring cannot be broken. 

antlers. But did you hear what he said? He's stolen Ursa's 
children, and now he's waiting here to shoot Ursa. It will 
be some comfort to her, when she finds her babies gone, if I 
give her the body of the man who stole them. 

arbutus. Ursa mustn't find him here; she would attack him 
as soon as he left the Ring, and he would kill her. 

moss bud. Oh, Mamma, I know how to get him away. Let's 
give him a dream! 

arbutus. A very good idea. See what dreams there are in 
the dreamery. 

moss bud (goes to hollow tree and calls down through knot-hole). 
Hello! Down there in the dreamery, have you any good 
strong dreams on hand? (Puts ear to knot-hole) Yes — 
there is a fresh batch of plum pudding dreams just in from 
the factory. (Through the knot-hole) Just send up the 
strongest you've got, please. (Takes a small paper parcel 
out of the knot-hole) Here it is, Mamma, — Number 13A. 

arbutus. Well, Moss Bud, see if you can use it without a 
mistake. 

[Moss Bud takes package and opens it; sprinkles imaginary 
contents over Hank, and makes mystic signs over him. All 
watch him intently. Hank begins to groan and toss. Animals 
are delighted. His symptoms get worse, until, with a cry, he 
wakes up, grasps his gun and rushes off. Fairies laugh. 



484 A Treasury of Plays for Children 

antlers. I shall never have another chance like that! 

white face. I still think the law of the Ring might have been 
stretched a little. 

blinkers (waking up). Eh? Umph? What was stretched? 
[Goes to sleep again. 

moss bud. Oh, Mamma, here comes poor Ursa; she doesn't 
know yet that her babies are gone. 

arbutus. Well, I can do nothing until I find a child who 
believes in us. 

[Ursa, the bear, enters, and goes up to cave. She appears as a 
bear, and exits into cave. All watch mouth of cave. A growl- 
ing is heard. 

antlers. She's discovered her loss! 

[Enter Ursa from the cave, as a bear. She rushes behind 
rock, through which the Ring passes, and reappears in the 
Ring as a strong young woman, with a bearskin wrapped 
around her. She is in great distress and rushes over to 
Arbutus. 

ursa. Arbutus — my babies — where are they? (Arbutus is 
silent) Where are they, I say? (Turning to others) Are 
you all dumb? Where are they? 

white face. Why, perhaps they've just strayed off and been 
lost; we can 

antlers (interrupting). No, White Face, this is a time for the 
truth — (To Ursa) Where are they? Where are all our 
children? Where are Blinkers' four little ones? Where are 
the two sons of White Face? Where is my little fawn? Come 
here, — do you see those tracks? 

ursa. A man! 

antlers. . When you see the footprints of a man, need you 
ask where your children are? 

ursa. No, no! Not that — Arbutus 

arbutus. Ursa, you are only one of many weeping forest 
mothers. 

ursa. My babies, my little babies! Why have they robbed 
me? I never hurt a man 

antlers. Because they kill for the love of killing! What 



The Forest Ring 485 

matters it to them if every shot leaves a vacant place in 

cave or tree; they must have their "sport." 
ursa. Very well, then I shall kill for the love of killing. As 

he has treated my children, so I will treat his. Hundreds of 

times have I found his young ones in the woods, and passed 

them unnoticed. But, from this time on, let him beware 

how he sends them into the forest. My babies killed 

moss bud (crossing to comfort her). No, Ursa, they're not killed. 

ursa. How do you know? 

moss bud. The wicked trapper came here to shoot you, and 

we heard him say that your babies were locked up there. 
ursa (to the animals). The man was here, and you let him go 

alive? Antlers, White Face, is this the brotherhood of the 

forest? 
antlers. We could do nothing. He was in the Ring. 
ursa. Then, if they are still alive, we may rescue them — but 

how? Blinkers, you are wise, — tell me how to save my 

little ones! 
blinkers (waking up). What? Eh? Oh, yes — it must be 

stopped. I told Arbutus how, — ask her. 

[Goes to sleep again. 
ursa (to Arbutus). Will you use your magic power to help 

my babies? 
arbutus. Alas! Unless Quicksilver brings me the news I 

wish, I can do nothing. 

[Ursa is in despair; Moss Bud comforts her. 
quicksilver (outside). Halloo! Halloo! Make way for 

Quicksilver, the messenger of the Fairy Queen. 

[All listen attentively. 
arbutus. At last ! 

moss bud. Oh, I'm sure he brings good news ! 
arbutus. I'm almost afraid to ask. Hurry up, hurry up! 

(All show their impatience. Enter Quicksilver; slowly saun- 
tering across the stage, he deliberately kneels before Arbutus) 

Well, get up — get up — what news? 
all. Yes, what news? 
quicksilver (drawling). News? Oh, yes. The Queen of 



486 A Treasury of Plays for Children 

Cobweb Ring told me to tell you that she has found a girl 
who believes in fairies. 
[All overjoyed. 

arbutus. Thank Heaven! I am no longer powerless! Who 
is she? Where does she live? 

quicksilver. Who? Where? (Feels in his clothes) Now, I 
had the name and address written on a maple leaf, but I 
stopped to play with some tadpoles, and I declare I must 
have lost it! 
[All collapse. Exit Quicksilver. 

arbutus. Oh, Heavens, — that boy will drive me wild! Moss 
Bud, ring up Cobweb. Ring on the grape-vine telephone. 

moss bud (takes a flower hanging from a vine and uses it as a 
telephone). Hello, Central. Give me one — four — three — 
Pine. Hello — that Cobweb Ring? Yes, what? Oh! Just 
got back to-night. Thanks. Arbutus wants the name of the 
girl who believes in fairies. What? Yes, but he lost it. 
What? All right. Cloverdale Farm? Yes, all right, — 
good-bye. — The Queen says that the girl is named Jane 
Adams, and a mosquito messenger reports that he has just 
left her asleep in her room at Cloverdale Farm, but that the 
window is wide open. 

arbutus. Now, Moss Bud, you may see what you can do 
with the magic wand. (Peach Bloom brings it) Take it and 
bring the child here without waking her. 

moss bud (waving wand). Bed at Cloverdale Farm — rise 
slowly and float out of the window — down through the front 
yard — up the path to the woods. Look out! gracious, it 
almost ran into a big pine tree! Come through the forest 
carefully — through the glade to the Forest Ring — enter 

the Ring — stop 

[As Moss Bud speaks the last words, enter a single bed y with 
Jane Adams asleep on it, her clothes hanging over the end. 

ursa. A human child! 
[Advances threateningly. 

arbutus. Ursa, you are in the Ring. Besides, on this child 
you must place all hope of getting back your children. (Looks 



The Forest Ring 487 

at Jane) Ah, child, it has been years since I could appear to 

a human being. Come, Moss Bud, waken her. 
blinkers. Eh — Wake — Who? 

[Others hurry him up stage as he dozes again. Moss Bud 

whispers to Arbutus. 
arbutus. True — I forgot. (Moss Bud waves her wand over 

Jane and her clothes fly off end of bed and disappear under 

the bed clothes) Now waken her. 

[Arbutus looks tenderly at Jane as Moss Bud waves wand and 

Jane wakens. Animals retire and Fairies regard Jane. 
jane (waking). My, how fresh the air is! Hello! Where's 

the ceiling? Why, I'm in the woods! I must have been 

walking in my sleep. No, sleep-walkers don't carry their 

beds with them. Goodness, when Aunt Sabrina finds out 

that I've taken this bed off into the woods she'll 

[Sees Moss Bud and stops, astonished. 
moss bud. Don't be frightened, Jane — you are quite safe 

with us. 
jane. Oh, I wasn't frightened; only, I would like to know 

where I am and who you are! 
moss bud. My name is Moss Bud, and I am a fairy princess. 

(Rather proudly) I brought you here by magic. 
jane. Oh, goody! Are you a real live fairy and not only a 

dream? Can I really touch you and not wake up? 
moss bud. Yes, indeed. Take my hand and I will present 

you to mamma; she's the Fairy Queen. 
jane. Wait a minute — I can't get up — I'm not — (Seeing 

her clothes) Yes, I am, too — well, if that isn't the funniest 

thing! 
moss bud. That's magic too — (Jane takes her hand and 

rises) Mamma, this is Jane Adams, the girl we have been 

waiting for. 
arbutus. Welcome, my child. I have been expecting you 

for a very long time. Tell me yourself — do you really be- 
lieve in fairies? 
jane. Why, of course I do! But I didn't think they were 

like this. Why, you're lots nicer than I expected! No, I 



488 A Treasury of Plays for Children 

don't mean that. I mean you're almost as nice as regular 

girls 

[Enter Quicksilver. 
quicksilver. I've got it, your Majesty — the girl's name is 

Jane Adams — and she lives at 

mouse ear. Be careful, Quixy — if you work so hard in this 

hot weather, you'll get moonstroke 

jane. Who is that, Moss Bud? 

moss bud. That is Quicksilver, our messenger; there are 

Peach Bloom and Mouse Ear — the rest of the girls are away 

for the summer. 
jane. Why, this must be a Fairy Ring — like the one I read 

about in my fairy stories ! 
moss bud. Yes, it is. But do you know the secret of the 

Forest Ring? 
jane. You mean about the animals not being really animals 

but having feelings like ours? Oh, yes. 
arbutus. Then, Jane, I may tell you why you were brought 

here to-night. (Beckons to Ursa) This is Ursa, a mother 

bear, who has just been robbed of her little ones. 
jane. Oh, I'm so sorry! But wait, were they three little 

brown cubs? 
ursa. Cubs! Cubs! My children were three as well be- 
loved babies as a mother could wish for. 
jane. Oh, excuse me — but I know where they are! 
ursa. You do? Are they safe? 
jane. Yes, — but I'm afraid they're very hungry — they 

haven't had anything to eat since Hank brought them 

home. 
ursa. Oh! — But can we get at them? 
jane. Why, they're locked in the cellar of Aunt Sabrina's 

house. There's only one door to it, and Hank carries the 

key to it in his pocket. 

ursa. Take me to them; if it's only breaking a door in 

jane. Oh, but you couldn't! Hank would shoot you before 

you could do anything, and, besides, the door is too 
strong. 



The Forest Ring 489 

moss bud. We could open the door by magic. 

jane. But Hank would follow the tracks and shoot the cu — 
the children. 

arbutus. Well, we must do something before long 

jane. I know what — (To Ursa) Can you dance? 

ursa. Dance? Dance like a trained bear? 

jane. That's all very well, Ursa, but if you want to save your 
babies you can't be so very particular. 

ursa. You are right — I'm sorry — go on 

jane. Well, then, can you dance? 

ursa. To get back my babies I can do anything. 

jane. Very well. Now listen. You come back to the house 
with me, and let me put a chain and collar on you. (Ursa 
starts up indignantly and then subsides) Then, when anybody 
sees us, you can dance, and I'll say you are my tame bear; 
then, when no one is looking, we can get the key — some- 
how — and I'll unlock the cellar door — and when we get 
to the edge of the woods, I'll take off the chain, and you and 
the little ones can run home to your cave. 

ursa. Yes, we could do that. I'll be a trained bear for you 
— but if anyone else dares to touch the chain I'll 

jane. Now, look here! If I'm going to help you out in this, 
you've got to do just as I say. Will you promise? 

ursa. Well, but — yes — yes, I promise ! 

jane. Well, then, remember this — that, whatever happens, 
you must not hurt a single man, woman or child. 

ursa. But, if they hurt my babies, I'll 

arbutus. You must promise, Ursa, or we cannot help you. 

ursa. Well, then — I promise. 

jane. All right. I'll take you back with me to-night, and 
you can stay in my room. 

arbutus. My dear, you're a child after the fairy heart. 
[Ursa talks aside with Peach Bloom and Mouse Ear. 

jane (to Arbutus). Now, your Majesty, do you think it is 
safe for me to take this bear among people? I really don't 
know her. 

arbutus. Well, my child, I know she is good and kind in the 



490 A Treasury of Plays for Children 

forest, but I am afraid that if a naughty boy should begin 
teasing her she might forget her promise. 

jane. Couldn't you send a fairy along to prevent any trouble? 

arbutus. Yes, I can send Peach Bloom with the magic wand; 
she would see that you came to no harm. 

moss bud. Oh, Mamma, do let me go — I would be just as 
careful! See how safely I brought the bed here. 

arbutus. Oh, my dear, I'm afraid you haven't had experience 
enough. Remember, you're only fifty thousand years old ! 

moss bud. Oh, but I know I can do it, and I like Jane so 
much! I want to help her save the little bears. 

jane. Yes, your Majesty — I'm sure we could get along all 
right. 

arbutus. Well, as this is your birth-night, I suppose I must 
consent. But here, take this little book — "Every Man His 
Own Fairy" — and if you get into any trouble, you will find 
all the fairy rules and charms in it. Here is the wand, Moss 
Bud, — be very careful of it and don't use it unless you have 
to. Now, Ursa, remember your promise. 

antlers (coming down). It's nearly dawn. We must be off. 
(To Ursa) Good-bye, sister, and good luck. 

white face. Let me wish you every success in your under- 
taking. 

blinkers. What? Eh? Going away? Well, take care of 
yourself. 

moss bud. Come on, Jane and Ursa. 
[They get on the bed. 

arbutus. Good-bye, Jane. You are going on a dangerous er- 
rand of mercy, and I wish you fairy good fortune. 

jane. Good-bye, your Majesty, I'm sure we'll succeed. 
Good-bye all. 

[Bed starts to move. The moon goes under a cloud, and the 
stage becomes dark. 

all. Good-bye ! — Gook luck ! — Good-bye ! 

[Their voices are heard getting fainter and fainter. Lights up 
gradually on empty stage. Sunrise. Fairy music. 

curtain 



The Forest Ring 491 



ACT II 

Scene. The front yard before Aunt Sabrina Watson's house, 
with view of porch and front door. Over the door is a second- 
story window, open. At left of house door is a cellar door leading 
to cellar under house. This door is closed and locked with a Yale 
lock. Old-fashioned sweep well and bucket. 

Time. Early morning. Curtain music, Grieg's Morgenstim- 
mung. Curtain rises on empty stage. A pause. 

Enter Thomas from house, with a book in one hand, which he 
is eagerly reading, and a water bucket in the other. He puts 
bucket under well spout, and reads. 

thomas {reading). "Takin' careful aim, Buckskin Bill, the boy- 
bear hunter, pulled the trigger, and with a deafenin' report 
the tremenjus animile fell over on its side and expired." 
Gosh! Ain't that jest great, though! 

sabrina {outside) . Thoma-as ! Thoma-as ! ! 

thomas. Yes'm — I'm comin'. {He draws a bucket of water 
and starts reading again) "Suddenly the bushes parted, 
and with noiseless tread his old enemy, the injun, stood 
before him." {Looking up) Geemunny! {Reading eagerly) 
"Throwing aside his now useless weepon, Buckskin grasped 
his trusty knife, an' lookin' the Chief right in the eyes 

said " 

sabrina {outside). Land sakes, Thomas! — air you waitin' to 
dig a new well out there? {Enter Aunt Sabrina from house) 
Didn't I tell you I was waitin' for that water to make the 
tea for breakfast? Well, if that shiftless boy ain't reading 
again ! Mighty souls, I guess if I want anything done around 
here I might's well make up my mind to do it myself. 
{Thomas, absorbed in book, does not notice her. She comes 
angrily and takes bucket) Why, what on airth's the boy 
readin'? Thomas! {Thomas starts and tries to hide the book) 
Thomas — where'd you get that book? 
thomas. Why — one of them city fellers give it to me. It's 
all about bars and things, and it's a sight more interestin' 



492 A Treasury of Plays for Children 

than that "Pilgrim Progress" you gave me last Christmus. 
Say, Ma, I want to be a bar hunter. 

sabrina. Humph, you'd better learn how to do your chores 
right before you start out to shoot wild critters — (Turning 
toward house) Ain't that Jane Adams come down yet? 

thomas. No'm, I hain't see her. 

sabrina (calls up to window). Jane — Jane! — (No answer) 
It does beat all how them city folks can lie abed and sleep 
mornings. 

thomas. Say, Ma, kin — kin I go out with Hank to-morrow? 
I jest know I kin shoot a bar. 

sabrina. Humph ! — that's what comes of readin' them good- 
for-nothin' city books; — these bar stories is all foolishness 
anyhow. There used to be quite some bars round here, but 
since Hank's been gittin' after 'em they've got scurcer than 
lay-locks in January. I don't believe there's ben a bar 
within five miles o' this house in ten years. (Here the bears 
head appears at Jane's window and she listens with interest. 
They do not observe the bear) Hank did ketch three cubs 
yestiddy, and the next time he wants to use my cellar for a 
bar-pen he'll have to do a powerful lot of persuadin' ! 

thomas. Oh, Ma, won't you just let me have one peek at 'em? 

sabrina. You'll have to wait till Hank comes — he's got the 
key. (Smelling) Mighty souls, them pop-overs is burnin'. 
[Exit hurriedly with pail. Thomas, greatly excited, tries to 
look between the cracks of cellar door at cubs. 

thomas. If I could only see them as plain as I smell 'em! 
[Enter Hank at back with gun, etc. 

hank. Mornin', Thomas. Widder Watson to hum? 

thomas. Yep — she's gettin' breakfast. Say, Hank, won't 
you tell me how you ketched them cubs — an' lemme see 'em? 

hank. Tell you what I'll do, Thomas; if you'll tell your ma 
to come out here for a minute and then clear out fur a while 
yourself, I'll let you help me skin them cubs after breakfast! 

thomas. All right. (Starts to go) Say, Hank 

hank. What? 

thomas. What do you want me to clear out fur? 



The Forest Ring 493 

hank. Why Go on, now; — don't ask questions an* mebbe 

I'll take you huntin' next week. {Thomas exits. Hank looks 

around and shudders) Ugh! By mighty, ef that warn't the 

all-powerfullest dream that ever war dreamt — it warn't fur 

from it. 

[Enter Sabrina. 
sabrina. Mornin', Mr. Struble. You're jest in time for break- 
fast. Why, mighty souls, man — you look as if you'd been 

used to harrer a field with! 
hank. Mornin', Sabriny — I ben out in the woods all night 

after the mother of them cubs. 
sabrina. Humph, you look more as if the mother o' them 

cubs had been after you. 
hank (shudders) . Sabriny — do you — do you b'leeve dreams 

ever come true? 
sabrina. They dew say that if you tell a dream before break- 
fast, it'll come true inside of a week. Why, have you been 

havin' a dream? 
hank. Sabriny — I didn't know there was dreams like I had 

last night! 
sabrina. What was it all about? 
hank. I ain't agoin' to tell you nothin' 'bout it till after 

breakfast. 
sabrina. Well, I didn't git a chance to dream none, if I'd a 

wanted to — wit?h them three cubs a celebratin' Fourth o' 

July and Thanksgivin' all night long! 
hank. I'm really sorry, Sabriny, if they bothered you any. 

Pappy White's comin' over to help me kill 'em this mornin'. 

But that dream o' mine was the dod beatenest dream 

sabrina. Well, you know I told you what'd happen if you 

eat that extry half-dozen doughnuts fer supper. 
hank. It wasn't a doughnut dream, Sabriny. Besides, your 

doughnuts couldn't give a feller a dream like that — not ef 

he sh'd eat a hundred of 'em. 
sabrina (very much pleased). Well, what do you s'pose 'twas? 
hank. I'll tell you, Sabriny; — I believe it was because I'd 

been worryin' so about your answer. (Sabrina starts away; 



494 A Treasury of Plays for Children 

he catches her hand.) Don't go, Sabriny. You told me you'd 
let me know this mornin'. Jest say "yes", Sabriny, an' 
I'll 

thomas (entering suddenly). Say, Hank, can't I see them cubs 
now? 

sabrina (drawing her hand away quickly). Breakfast's jest 
about ready, Mr. Struble. You stay and have some with 

us 

[Exit into house. 

thomas. Can't I see them cubs now, Hank? 

hank. Thomas Watson, — I'd like ter send your skin to New 
York with them cubs ! 

thomas. But Hank, can't I see them cubs? 

hank. No — you can't ! (Bears head appears at window 
unnoticed by them) Them cubs is valuable. They're safe 
in that cellar now, and there they'll stay till I get good 
and ready to kill 'em. (Ursa excited) That's the beauty of 
them 'air Yale locks. Lemme see — Where'd I put that 
key — (Feels in his pocket) By mighty, I b'leeve I've lost 
it! — No, here it is. 
[Taking it out. 

thomas. Aw, Hank, lemme see them cubs! 

hank. No, sir. After the way you come in here just now, I 
won't let you see them cubs until they're all skinned. (At 
this Ursa, terribly excited, gives a loud growl and Hank, 
startled, drops the key on the ground. He does not notice it, 
but Thomas does, and puts his foot on it. Just as Hank, star- 
tled by the growl, looks up, the bear's head is quickly jerked 
back and Jane appears in the window and smiles at Hank. 
Pause) By mighty! 

jane. Good morning. 

hank. What on airth was that? 

jane. What? 

hank. Didn't you hear nothin'? 

jane. Why — I yawned — what did you think it was? 

hank, Nothin' — nothin' — (Aside) I b'leeve that dream 
has turned me stark, starin' crazy. 




The Forest Ring 
Act II. 

Thomas. — "I'd like to meet a real old soker, and cow him with 
my eye." 



The Forest Ring 495 

sabrina (in house). Come in to breakfast. 

[Hank collects himself with a start and exits into house. Thomas 

picks up key and Jane sees him. Thomas looks after Hank. 
jane (to Ursa). Oh, Ursa, Thomas has got the key! It will 

be ever so much easier to get it from him than Hank ! — 

come 

[They disappear from window. 
thomas (looking after Hank). You won't let me see them 

cubs, eh? Well, then, I'll jest look at 'em anyhow. 

[He crosses to cellar door. 

sabrina (in house). Thomas 

thomas (startled) . Yes'm ! — I'll be right in. 

[Starts to unlock door as Jane and Moss Bud enter from house. 

Thomas hears them, starts guiltily, and stands with the key 

behind his back. 
jane. Look out, Moss Bud, he'll see you! 
moss bud. You forget; I'm invisible to all except you. 
jane. Oh, yes. What's the matter, Thomas — aren't you 

going to have any breakfast? (Thomas doesn't answer) 

What have you behind your back? 
thomas. Nothin'. 

jane. Oh, you can't fool me. I saw you pick that key up. 
thomas. You ain't goin' to be a tattletale, are you? 
jane. Not if you'll let me see what's in the cellar. 
thomas. What! You look in that cellar — why, there's bars 

in there! They'd frighten a girl most to death. 
jane. Aren't you afraid of bears? 

thomas. Who, — me? No, I've been readin' all about Buck- 
skin Bill, the boy bar hunter, and I know that if you jest 

look a bar right in the eyes steady — he can't do nothin' 

to yer. 
jane. I'll try not to be frightened. Do let me see the little 

bears ! 
thomas. Naw. Girls ain't built to look at bars. If you was 

a hunter, now, like me — but you ain't. I only wish they 

was bigger. I'd like to meet a real old soker, and cow him 

with my eye — jest like Buckskin Bill — (He starts to un- 



496 A Treasury of Plays for Children 

lock door. Jane beckons into house, and Ursa quickly comes 

and stands right behind Thomas. She stands on her hind legs, 

waving her paws) Gosh! These locks is pesky things to 

undo ! Yes-sirree, if I could only meet a real big bar I'd 

[Here he catches sight of Ursa. He begins to tremble, and 
finally, with a yell, rushes off, leaving the key. The others 

show delight and amusement. Moss Bud picks up key. 
jane. Thank Heaven, we've got it! Here, Moss Bud, give 

it to me. Fairies don't know how to open Yale locks. 

(She takes key) Now, you look out and see if anyone comes, 

and we'll have these little bears safe at home before Hank's 

through breakfast. 

[Jane starts to unlock door. Ursa tries to help her. 
moss bud. Look out, Jane! Somebody's coming! 
jane. Quick — get Ursa out of sight ! 

[Moss Bud leads Ursa behind house. 
sabrina (entering). I thought I heard you talkin' out here. 

Ain't you goin' to eat no breakfast? 
jane. Yes, Aunt Sabrina — I'll be in there in a minute. 
sabrina. Your tea'll be stone cold. Where's Thomas? 
jane. Why, he went out toward the barn a minute ago. 
sabrina. Well, this is the first time since Thomas was born 

that he hain't been here at meal-time. What on airth's the 

matter with you, child? You stand there fidgetin' around 

like a chipmunk in a trap. What have you got in your 

hand there? 
jane (opening her left hand). Nothing, Aunt Sabrina. 
sabrina. Jane, you've been doin' somethin' you ought not to ! 

Open your other hand. (Jane does so slowly, and the key falls 

out) What's that? 
jane. Why — it looks like a key. 
sabrina (picking up key). Jane Adams, it's the key to that 

cellar door. How did you get it? 
jane. It — it was lying on the ground there, and I picked 

it up. 
sabrina. Why, child alive, that cellar's full of wild growlin' 

bars; I s'pose that careless Hank lost the key out of his 



The Forest Ring 497 

pocket. I'll jest keep it for a while to give him a lesson. 

Come in to breakfast. 

[Exit into house. Enter Moss Bud and Ursa. 

moss bud. What's the matter, Jane? 

jane. Oh, Moss Bud, Aunt Sabrina's got the key now, and I 
know we can never get it from her! (Ursa is in despair, and 
the. others comfort her) Don't cry, Ursa. We'll get your 
babies out somehow. 

moss bud. You shouldn't have let the key go when you once 
had it! 

jane. Well, it won't help to tell me what I should have done; 
the question is, what's to be done now? 

moss bud. Well, there's only one thing I can see to do; — 
we must open the door by magic! 
[Bear brightens up. 

jane. That's so, we can! Where's your rule book, Moss 
Bud? 

moss bud. Here it is — let's see (Turning over pages) Ah, 

here we are — Rule No. 47 — "To open a locked door." 

jane. But wait a minute. Hank said he was going to kill the 
cubs right after breakfast — and he's almost through break- 
fast by this time — so that, if we take them out now, we 
won't have time to get them safely home before he follows 
their tracks and shoots them. 

moss bud. That's so — we must keep him here somehow. 

jane. I'll tell you what we can do. You put a magic spell 
on the door so that, after we have taken out the little bears, 
Hank will not be able to open the door — and won't know 
the cubs have gone 

moss bud. That's just fine! (Turning over pages) There 
must be a rule here that will answer. Yes — here it is — 
Rule No. 56 — "To prevent a door being opened by its own 
key." How will that do? 

jane. That's just the thing. Go ahead, we must be quick! 

moss bud (reading from book). "Oh, door, I hereby command 
you, in the name of Arbutus, to hear and obey this spell — 
(Makes mystic signs) Nek you roy nopo in eman sutubra." 



498 A Treasury of Plays for Children 

Now, Jane, I've put spell No. 56 on the door, and I'd like 
to see Hank or anyone else open it with a key! 

jane. That's fine, Moss Bud. I want you to teach me that 
spell. But now, open the door by magic. 

moss bud. Oh, that's easy. Let's see, where was it — oh, 

yes — Rule No. 47 — "To open a locked door" (Makes 

more mystic signs) "Oh, door, I hereby command you, in 
the name of Arbutus, to hear and obey this spell, — Nopo 
ilkiok ta ecno. Open! " 
[Pause. Nothing happens. 

jane. What's the matter, — why doesn't it open? 

moss bud. I must have said a word wrong. I'll do it again 

(Mystic signs) "Oh, door, I hereby command you, in the 
name of Arbutus, to hear and obey this spell. Nopo ilkiok 
ta ecno. Open." (Pause. Nothing happens) Open, I say 
— — (Pause) Oh, Jane, I don't know what's the matter. It 
won't open. (Begins to cry) Mamma oughtn't to have put 
me in charge of this case. I'm too young. 

jane. Come — come — we haven't time to cry. Let me see 
the rule book. (Takes it) Oh, Moss Bud, did you put 
spell No. 56 on the door? 

moss bud (between sobs). Yes, of course, — Rule No. 56 — 
"To prevent a door being opened by its own key." 

jane. Well, now you've done it ! Look here, you should have 
put on spell No. 55. Number 56 is "To prevent a door 
being opened by anything except its own key." Oh dear, 
oh dear, even magic can't open it now! You should have 
opened the door first, and then put the other spell on. (Be- 
ginning to cry) You're only a poor, ignorant fairy, and 
you've ruined everything by your crazy magic! 
[Jane, Moss Bud and Ursa all weep together. 

thomas (outside). Hank — Hank! 

jane (drying her eyes). Good gracious! Here's Thomas back 
again; he'll get Hank and they'll shoot Ursa; — take care of 
her, Moss Bud. I must get the collar and chain from the 
barn. 
[Exits quickly. Enter Hank from house with gun. 



The Forest Ring 499 

hank. By mighty, if there ain't a bar in the yard! 

[He advances and raises gun to shoot. Just as he is about to 

pull the trigger, Moss Bud pricks him in the leg with a thorn. 

He cries, "Ouch," and the gun goes off in the air. Ursa rises 

and prepares to show fight. Hank drops his gun and takes 

out his knife. Sabrina appears in doorway. 
sabrina. Mighty souls! Hank, look out, come in the house. 

Don't try to fight that bar with nothin' but a knife! 

[Hank and Ursa menace each other, when Jane enters quickly, 

with collar and chain, followed by Thomas. 

jane. Hank — Ursa — stop ! 

sabrina. Thomas — Jane — go to the barn ! Do you both 

want to be killed alive? 
jane (going to Ursa). Ursa, remember your promise 

[Ursa quiets down, and Jane puts collar on her. 
hank. By mighty! 
sabrina. Mighty souls ! 
thomas. Geemunny ! 
jane. Hank, I'm surprised at you. An old hunter like you 

not being able to tell the difference between a wild bear and 

a tame one! 
hank. A tame bar! 
jane. Certainly, I'll show you — (She whispers to Ursa) 

Now, do whatever I tell you — (Aloud) Ursa — lie down 

— (Ursa follows directions) Roll over — Get up — Speak 

— Dance with me 

[Music; dance between Jane, Ursa and Moss Bud. Exclama- 
tions of astonishment from the others. 

thomas. Ain't that jest great, though! Say, Jane, lemme 
hold the chain? 

sabrina. Thomas Watson, don't you dare go near that 
critter 

thomas. Aw — ma — jest lemme hold the chain ! 

jane. You see, she's perfectly gentle. 

hank. She didn't look it a couple of minutes ago. 

sabrina. There's somethin' powerful queer about this. 
How'd you happen to get hold of a tame bar? 



500 A Treasury of Plays for Children 

thomas. Say, Ma — can't I jest hold the chain? 
sabrina. Thomas Watson 

[Thomas subsides. 
hank. Wa'al, I guess this must be quite a valuable bar. The 

best thing to do with it is to lock it up in the cellar, along 

with them cubs, and then sell it to the first circus that comes 

along. 
jane. But Hank, you can't sell my bear. 
sabrina. Your bar! Jane Adams, you didn't have that when 

you come up from New York. 
hank. Besides, it ain't safe fur little girls to play with bars. 

No — I'll jest lock it up in the cellar. Lemme see, — where'd 

I put the key? 

[Feels in his pocket. 
jane (to Moss Bud). Moss Bud — we must get that key, and 

this is our only chance ! 

[Whispers to her. 
hank. By mighty! I've lost it this time, sartin'! 
sabrina. I told you you'd lose it, carryin' it around loose in 

your pocket. (Producing it) Here it is; I was goin' to 

keep it awhile to teach you a lesson, but I guess you'd better 

lock up that bar! 

[Hank takes lock in his hand and puts out the other for the key, 

looking at lock. Sabrina hands it to him, but Moss Bud puts 

her hand over Hank's and takes key from Sabrina, unseen by 

all but Jane. Jane has led Ursa up back, and has allowed 

Thomas to hold the chain. 

hank. Wa'al, gimme the key, Sabriny 

sabrina. My lands, man ! I gave it to you once — you must 

have dropped it ! 
hank. I hain't never teched it, Sabriny. You must have 

dropped it yourself. 
sabrina. Hank Struble, do you mean to tell me that I don't 

know the difference between givin' you a key and droppin' 

it? 
hank. Sabriny Watson! don't you suppose I know the dif- 
ference between takin' a key and not takin' it? 



The Forest Ring 501 

sabrina. Jane, come and help look for that key. 

[Jane is on one side of the well, and Moss Bud, during the 

foregoing, has come up delightedly and is just handing her the 

key across the well as Sabrina calls "Jane." Jane, startled, 

drops the key down the well and she and Moss Bud look blankly 

at each other. 
jane. All right, Aunt Sabrina. Oh, Moss Bud, the key's in 

the well, and we can never — never — get it out ! 

moss bud. We can try magic 

jane. No, thank you — we've tried that once too often now. 

[They pretend to search. 
sabrina. I tell you, Hank — you must have put the key in 

your pocket. 
hank. And I tell you, Sabriny, I hain't teched the blame key. 
sabrina. Well, in the meanwhile, what's going to happen 

to the (Seeing Thomas and Ursa) Thomas Watson ! 

[Thomas drops chain quickly. 
thomas. Aw, Ma, can't I jest hold the chain? (Sabrina 

starts toward him) All right, Ma, I won't — I only come 

up here to get a drink. 

[Thomas draws a bucket of water. 
hank. Sabriny Watson — I b'leeve you're hidin' that key! 
sabrina. Hank Struble — I tell you that — I felt you take 

that key jest as plain as I ever felt anything before in my life. 
hank. Now quit yer foolin', Sabriny. I felt your hand in 

mine, but there warn't no thin' in it. 
sabrina. Hank Struble, I tell you for the last time that 

[Here Thomas, who has been drinking at the well, coughs vio- 
lently and spits the key out. Everybody looks at everyone else. 
sabrina. Thomas Watson, how'd you get that key? 
thomas (frightened) . I don't know how I got the key — honest, 

Ma, I don't. 
hank. Wa'al, here it is anyhow — (Starts for the key. Jane 

and Moss Bud in despair when Ursa makes a rush and, facing 

Hank, sits on the key and refuses to move) Here, get off that 

key 

[Ursa waves her paw at him. 



502 A Treasury of Plays for Children 

sabrina. Look out, Hank ! Jane, you make the critter move. 
jane. All right (Aside to Ursa) Sit still, Ursa (Aloud) 

Get up (Pushes her. Aside) Don't move, whatever 

you do. (Aloud) Get up — get up — ■ — (To others) It's no 

use, — she won't budge ! 
hank (picking up gun). She won't, eh? Wa'al, we'll see about 

that! Trained bars is all very well, but if they won't mind 

they ain't trained. Besides, I b'leeve that's the very bar 

I've been trackin' for two weeks — - she's smelt her cubs here 

and come after 'em. 
jane. Yes, it is the mother of those cubs; she's come all the 

way from her cave to find them and take them home again. 

Won't you let them go, Hank? 
hank. Let 'em go, after all the trouble I've had to get 'em? 

Why, do you s'pose I tracked them cubs a hull day jest to 

let 'em go again? Besides, how do you know she's the mother 

of them cubs? 
jane. I know it because she told me so. 

sabrina. Jane Adams, air you completely mad — or jest lyin'? 
jane. Oh, I suppose you won't believe me, but last night I 

went to the cave by the Forest Ring, and saw all the fairies 

and animals, and the Fairy Queen herself said she would 

help me give the little bears to their mother. 
thomas. Gee-mimny I 
hank. If you ever was near that cave, you might have had a 

dream like mine — about fairies and things, — but you don't 

suppose I'm goin' to lose a couple of hard days' work jest on 

account of a dream, do you? 
jane. But it wasn't a dream. I saw them as plainly as I see 

you — and besides, here's Ursa — to prove it — and Moss 

Bud. Moss Bud, can't you show yourself and tell them 

I'm right? 
moss bud. They haven't entered the Ring; they can't see me. 
sabrina. What on airth air you talkin' about? A Moss Bud 

— an' fairies ! 
jane. Can't you see her? Look — here 

[All look at Moss Bud and don't see her. 



The Forest Ring 503 

sabrina. You've got a tech o' sun, wanderin' round the woods 

without a hat on; or else them story-books has turned your 

head. 
hank. Wa'al, I've got to go; I ain't agoin' to wait no longer 

fur that pesky critter to get up. If she ain't off that key 

when I git my gun loaded, I'll shoot her off it 

[Starts to load gun. 
sabrina. Thomas — come in here ! A wounded bar's a dan- 
gerous critter. 
thomas. Oh, Ma — I hain't seen the cubs yet ! 

[Sabrina and Thomas talk in pantomime. 
jane. Oh, Moss Bud, whatever shall we do? Everything has 

gone wrong, and if poor Ursa's killed it will be our fault! 
moss bud. Oh, I can't think of anything (Turning over 

pages of book quickly) There isn't a single rule here that 

will do any good. I wish I'd never come! 

[Begins to cry. 
jane. What's the use of magic if you can't use it when you 

really need it? You're only a cry-baby fairy! 
hank. Now, the gun's loaded — when I say three I'm goin' 

to shoot (Levels gun) One, two 

jane. Ursa, get off the key 

[Ursa does so, growling. Moss Bud restrains her. 
hank (lowers gun and picks up key). I kinder thought you 

could make her move if you'd a mind ter. (Crosses to cellar) 

I'll jest kill them cubs now, and then there won't be no more 

trouble. 
sabrina. Look out, Hank, — if the old bar sees her cubs 

she'll show fight. 
hank. Wa'al, by mighty, if she does, it's the last fight she'll 

ever show! 

[Pats his gun and starts to unlock door. 
moss bud. Oh, Jane, I can't hold Ursa back any longer 

[Hank is bending over the door; the bear rushes toward him. 

He seizes his gun to fire, but the bear, turning suddenly, catches 

up Thomas and holds him in front of her. 
sabrina. Hank — don't shoot — you'll hit Thomas! 



504 A Treasury of Plays for Children 

jane (rushing up and seizing Ursa). Ursa, don't you dare 

hurt that boy — don't you dare 

hank. Keep quiet, Thomas; don't move, and she won't hug 

you. 

[Hank lowers his gun and Jane and the bear carry Thomas 

across stage. 
jane (keeping one hand on the bear). Aunt Sabrina, if you free 

her children, she'll let yours go. . 

sabrina. Unlock the door, Hank — quick 

hank. It'll only make her madder, Sabriny, to see her cubs 

now. 
jane. Very well. You can't expect a bear to know that it's 

all right for a man to steal her children, but wrong for her 

to steal his. 
sabrina. Hank! Hank, get my boy back for me! 
jane. You take care of the little bears and I'll take care of 

Thomas. 

[Jane, Ursa, carrying Thomas, and Moss Bud start to exeunt. 

As soon as Ursa turns her back to Hank, he levels gun, but 

Jane turns Ursa, who stands with Thomas, in front of her. 

Sabrina pulls Hank's gun down. Moss Bud points toward 

the Ring. 

curtain 

ACT III 

Scene. The Forest Ring as in Act I. 

Time. The next night, early evening. The sun has just set 
and, after the curtain rises, the stage is at first very dim with the 
red light of sunset, but gradually the moon rises and stage becomes 
light. 

Discovered. Arbutus, Peach Bloom, Mouse Ear and Quick- 
silver. Peach Bloom and Mouse Ear are looking off anxiously. 
Arbutus is seated, giving Quicksilver a lesson out of a book. He is 
standing before her. 
arbutus. No, Quicksilver, that's very bad indeed! I don't 

believe you've studied an atom. If you don't know your 



The Forest Ring 505 

history any better than this one, you can't have any 
supper. 
quicksilver (beginning to cry) . I can't help it, your Majesty 

— I've been so excited about Jane and Ursa, that I didn't 
sleep a wink all day, and I just couldn't study the old lessons. 

arbutus (sternly) . Quicksilver ! Such language is only worthy 
of a human child! The idea of a fairy not knowing his les- 
sons! Give me the history. (Quicksilver gives her book, 
sulking). Now, who first used the expression, "Fi — fi, fo 

— fum"? 

quicksilver (hesitates and thinks). Fee — fi — fo — fum — 
Oh, I know. It was what Cinderella said when they told 
her she couldn't go to the ball. 

arbutus. You know perfectly well that's not right. Now, 
I'll give you one more chance. What was the first name of 
the Giant Killer? 

quicksilver (hesitates — the Queen looking at the book — and 
then he slowly bends one of his wings around, looks intently at 
the end, and speaks). Jack. 

arbutus (looking up and seeing his last action). Quicksilver — 
come here — let me see your wing ! (He does so reluctantly) 
Quicksilver, I'm ashamed of you. (He begins to cry) Where 
do you suppose little fairies go who write answers on their 
wings? Leave the Ring — and don't come back until I send 
for you. (He takes his book and exits, weeping. Arbutus 
turns to Peach Bloom and Mouse Ear) No news of Jane and 
Moss Bud? 

peach bloom. No news, your Majesty. 

arbutus (crossing and looking off). It's very strange; they 
should have been back by now. Mouse Ear, run and tell 
Quicksilver to go and find out what has become of them. 
Tell him to make haste, and to let me know the instant he 
discovers anything. 

mouse ear. Yes, your Majesty. 
[Exits. 

arbutus. I can't understand it ; — if anything has happened 
to them I shall never forgive myself. 



506 A Treasury of Plays for Children 

peach bloom. Look here, your Majesty, there's something 

coming now 

arbutus. Is it Ursa? — can you see? 
peach bloom. No — it's only Blinkers 



[Enter Blinkers. He crosses and bows clumsily to Arbutus. 
blinkers. Your Majesty — I bring news ! 

[Goes to sleep. 
arbutus. Ah ! at last I shall hear from them. Great Heavens ! 

He's gone to sleep ! Peach Bloom, wake him up. 

[Peach Bloom pokes him; he grunts and wakes up. 
blinkers (thickly). Don't do that! What's the matter? 
arbutus. Quick, Blinkers, tell me the news. 
blinkers. Your Majesty, all the hens have gone on strike. 
arbutus. Is that all you've got to tell me? 
blinkers. Yes, isn't it enough? The hens say they won't 

stand the employment of scab labour. 

[Arbutus impatiently crosses and looks off stage. 
peach bloom (to Blinker s). What do they mean by that? 
blinkers. They say scab labour is taking the worms out of 

the mouths of their children. (Getting eloquent) The wages of 

setting hens are almost nothing since people began to use 

incubators. 

[Goes to sleep. Enter Mouse Ear. 

ARBUTUS. Well? 

mouse ear. He's gone to look for them, your Majesty. 

arbutus. Look there, — who's that? 

white face (entering with Antlers, and kneeling to Arbutus). 

Only White Face and Antlers, your Majesty. We thought, 

perhaps, there might be news from Ursa. 
antlers. Yes — have they come back? 
arbutus. No, we've had no news. 
peach bloom. Here they come, your Majesty. 

[All look off. 
mouse ear. Yes, that's Ursa, and there are Moss Bud and 

Jane. 
antlers. But what's that Ursa's carrying? 
white face. It looks to me much like a human being. 



The Forest Ring 507 

arbutus. A human being ! 

white face. Yes; we'd better retire until we see what it all 
means. 

[Animals and Fairies hide. Enter Moss Bud, leading Ursa, 
still wearing collar and chain, and carrying Thomas, followed 
by Jane. Ursa appears as a bear, and keeps outside the Ring. 
Thomas appears unconscious. They cross right, and set 
Thomas on the ground. He stands on his feet, but with his 
body bent over and unconscious. 

jane. Thank goodness, we're here at last! That was a very 
good idea of yours, Moss Bud, putting Thomas into a magic 
sleep. {Seeing Thomas) Good gracious, he'll have a rush 

of blood to the head if we leave him like that (She 

straightens Thomas up. His body yields to her hand and re- 
mains in the position in which she places him) But now that 
he's here, what shall we do with him? 

moss bud. Why don't you let me turn him into a fairy? 
I believe I could do it. 

jane. Oh, no, that would never do! 

[Ursa in pantomime says to take him into her cave, 

jane. No, I don't think he'd better go into the cave. You go in, 
Ursa, and leave Thomas to me; I promise you not to let him 
go. ( Ursa goes into the cave) Now, Moss Bud, awaken Thomas. 
[Arbutus and her attendants have entered at back during scene, 
and Arbutus now comes forward. 

arbutus. Wait, Moss Bud. (Moss Bud joins the others at 
back, coming to Jane) We welcome you back again, my child, 
but before this boy is permitted to see the Fairy Ring, I 
must know if he believes in fairies. 

jane. No, your Majesty, he doesn't now — but he soon will. 

arbutus. Oh, I see. Very well, then, since you ask it I will 
let him see us, even though he doesn't believe — in us. 
[She touches Thomas's eyes and he wakes slowly. 

thomas (stretches and slowly feels himself all over; then sees the 
Fairies and stands astonished). Geemunny! 
[While Thomas is waking, the Animals have come in and have 
been eagerly discussing Thomas in pantomime. 



508 A Treasury of Plays for Children 

blinkers (to Arbutus). That's him — that's the boy who 

robbed my nest and stole my children! Now we've got 

him! 
thomas. N-no, sir, I hain't never seen your children. 
jane (Crossing to Thomas who begins to get frightened. Aside). 

Thomas, if you want to get out of this alive, do just as I 

tell you. 
white face. Oh, yes (Crossing and shaking his fist at 

Thomas) I recognize him now. He caught my eldest son 

in a fox-trap. Well, I've been wanting a boy-skin rug for 

some time. I think this one will do nicely. 

[Thomas is behind Jane, very much frightened. 
jane. But you can't hurt him while he is in the Ring. 
antlers (coming down). Yes, I can. The law is that he who 

hurts anyone in the Ring is never allowed to enter it again. 

Very well, I shall kill this human cub, and then say good- 
bye to the Ring forever. 

[He advances towards Thomas, who cowers behind Jane, and 

Jane stops Antlers. 
jane. Your Majesty, can't you save him? 
arbutus. If they all have said it true, he deserves punish- 
ment. Antlers has told you the forest law. 
antlers. Keep out of the way, girl 

[Advances towards Thomas. 
thomas. Here — keep off — I hain't never done nothin' to 

you. 

[Antlers pushes Jane aside, and seizes Thomas. 
jane (calls). Ursa — Ursa! 

[Enter Ursa as in Act I, passing behind rock and appearing 

as a woman. 
ursa. What's the matter? 
jane. Oh, Ursa, save Thomas! 

ursa. Antlers — stop — what are you trying to do? 
white face. Don't stop him, Ursa. He's only hunting. 

ursa. Antlers — leave him alone ! He's mine 

antlers. What do you want with him? He's not good for 

anything. 



The Forest Ring 509 

ursa. Oh, yes, he is. This is a very valuable boy. He's 

been trained to do tricks. 

[Animals astonished. Ursa motions to Jane. 
jane {whispering to Thomas). Do whatever she tells you. 
ursa. Thomas — come here — {Thomas follows directions. 

Ursa takes the collar and chain from her neck and puts them 

on Thomas) Lie down — roll over — walk like an animal — 

growl — show your teeth. {To others) You see how well 

trained he is. 
blinkers {crossing to Thomas and poking him in the ribs). 

Hoot {Thomas hoots like an owl) Very good. Who 

trained him? 
ursa. Oh, boys are very quick animals to learn tricks ! Well, 

he's done enough now. Come along. 

[She takes the chain and leads him back into the cave, passing 

behind rock and going in as a bear. 
white face. Hush! I hear something in the bushes. 
aunt sabrina {outside). Thomas — Thomas 

[All listen attentively. 
antlers. What is that? 

aunt sabrina {nearer). Thomas — Thomas 

jane. Good gracious ! It's Aunt Sabrina looking for Thomas. 
arbutus. Meet her, Jane, and tell her that her child is 

safe. 
jane. But I may bring her into the Ring? She says she 

doesn't believe in fairies. 
arbutus. All good mothers really believe in fairies, even 

though they call them by very different names. 
jane. All right, your Majesty, I'll bring her in. 

[Exits. 
white face. Your Majesty, I don't want to complain, but 

don't you think that, if you let human beings into the Ring, 

you'll ruin its reputation? 
arbutus. Not if they are the right ones. 
blinkers. White Face, you talk too much. 
antlers. Here they come. 

[Animals and Fairies form background for this scene. Enter 



510 A Treasury of Plays for Children 

Jane and Aunt Sabrina. Sabrina is very tired, and her clothes 

are torn in her struggle through the bushes. 
jane. Now, remember, Aunt Sabrina, the animals really look 

like men and women. 
aunt sabrina. You're sure Thomas ain't hurt? 
jane. He's not even scratched. 
aunt sabrina. Ef anyone had told me this mornin' that I'd 

be trapesin' round the woods talkin' to animals and fairies 

and things {Seeing Arbutus) Land sakes ! Jane, that 

woman'll catch her death o' cold out here without nothin' 

round her 

jane. Hush — that's the Fairy Queen ! {To Arbutus) Your 

Majesty, this is Aunt Sabrina. 

[Arbutus extends her hand to be hissed. Sabrina grasps it. 
sabrina. How-de-do, ma'am. Jane's been tellin' me all about 

you, and I've come to ask you to give me my boy. 

[Enter Ursa as before. 
ursa. Arbutus, if I'm going to get back my children I 

[Sees Sabrina, and stops suddenly. Ursa and Sabrina look at 

each other. 
sabrina {to Ursa) . If you really love them cubs as if they were 

children, how could you keep my Thomas out here in the 

woods, as if he were a wild critter? 
ursa. If you really love that awkward trap-setting boy as if 

he was good and beautiful how could you keep my children 

shut up between four walls, away from all fresh air, as if 

they were human? 
sabrina. Why, they can't feel it like a person could; they're 

only dumb animals! 
ursa. Do you suppose that because animals can't talk they 

are deprived of all feeling? 
sabrina {after a pause). I hain't never thought of it like that. 
jane. You do see how wrong it is, don't you, Aunt Sabrina? 
arbutus. Yes, I'm sure she does. And now I want you two 

mothers to be the best of friends. {She joins Aunt Sabrina's 

hand with Ursas) Ursa will take you to your boy, and Jane 

and I will arrange about getting Ursa's children back to her. 



The Forest Ring 511 

sabrina. I'm afraid you can never make Hank let 'em go. 

jane. We'll take care of Hank! 

[Ursa leads Sabrina into the cave. Enter Quicksilver. 

quicksilver. I've found out all about them, your Majesty. 
Jane and Ursa stole a boy this morning, and ran away with 
him. I tracked them to the edge of the forest where all 
trace of them is lost. 

[All laugh. Ursa comes out of cave and joins Jane. They 
talk in pantomime. 

arbutus. Very good, Quicksilver. You are as good a mes- 
senger-boy as I know. 

moss bud (running down to Arbutus) . Oh, Mamma, there 's a man 
creeping through the bushes with his gun, all ready to shoot ! 
[Arbutus motions others back. They form group at the back, 
and watch Hank, who now enters, creeping along the ground, 
following the tracks of Ursa and Jane. 

hank (following the tracks). By mighty, th' ole bar's making 
straight fer her cave. No, she's stopped here and — gosh 
all fish-hooks! She set Thomas down here, and he stood 
up on his feet. That means she hain't hurt him. Hello ! — 

what's this (Shakes his head sorrowfully) I thought so! 

Poor little Thomas — here he's been lyin' on the ground, 
and she's rolled him over twicet. I don't know what Sa- 
briny'll do. She was powerful fond o' that boy. It's lucky 
she didn't come out to look fer him like she wanted to. 
Must a been quite a rumpus kicked up here, by the looks 
o' the ground. Jane's tracks is all over the place. It ain't 
nat'ral fer a gal to be runnin' round the woods with bars 
and wild critters! (Pausing suddenly) By mighty! (De- 
cidedly) She's a witch — I knowed it all along ! Yes, sir — 
that's the reason that black cat o' Sabriny's thinks such a 

heap of her! ■ (Looking into cave) I b'lieve that bar's in 

there now. Wa'al, I'll make sure work of her this time. 

There's something movin' back thar ■ (Levels gun into 

cave, then lowers it. When Hank raises gun, Blinkers stops 
his ears) I can't seem to see jest whar she is. 
[Peers intently into cave and then levels gun again. 



512 A Treasury of Plays for Children 

jane (running out and appearing before Hank). Hank, don't 
shoot ! 

hank. Hello, it's the witch! 

jane. Don't fire into the cave. Aunt Sabrina and Thomas are 
in there. 

hank. Yes, I know mighty well that Thomas is in there — 
or ruther his remains is! But Sabriny's to hum cryin' her 
eyes out. You're a nice one to tell me not to shoot in here, 
when you've brought this hull peck o' trouble on us. No, 
sir, ef I didn't know you was a witch, and that the bullet 'd 
go clean through yer 'thout hurtin' yer, blamed ef I wouldn't 
shoot you fust, and then the bar! 

jane. But I'm not a witch, Hank. 

hank. I ain't agoin' to look at yer, and then yer can't put 
no spell onto me. 
[Peers into cave again. 

jane (back to Arbutus). Don't let him shoot, your Majesty. 

antlers. Don't stop him, Arbutus. 

white face. Why, his shooting into the cave will simplify 
everything. 

blinkers. I wish it didn't make so much noise. 

jane. Please, your Majesty, if anybody's hurt it will be my 
fault. Don't let Hank shoot! 

arbutus. Well, for your sake I'll stop him. 

[Waves her wand; Hank has been aiming into cave and, just 
as he is about to pull the trigger, Arbutus's act makes the gun 
fly out of his hand and disappear. He looks after it in blank 
amazement; then his eye falls on Jane, who has come down 
stage. 

hank. I s'pose you think that's real funny, don't you? 

jane. I didn't do it, Hank. 

hank. Oh, no, o' course you didn't have nothin' 'tall to do 
with it! Guns is used to flyin' out o' people's hands and 
vanishing inter the air! It's quite the reg'lar proceedin' 
nowadays, hain't it? 

jane. But I tell you I didn't do it, — the fairies did ! 

hank. Why, o' course, the fairies done it all! They brought 



The Forest Ring 513 

that bar to Sabriny's house, and put her up to carryin' off 

Thomas, didn't they? 
jane. Yes, certainly they did. 
hank. Wa'al then, ef there really be fairies, they might better 

ha' minded their own business. 
jane. Would you believe in fairies if you saw one? 

hank. I dunno — mebbe I would 

jane (back to Arbutus). Let him see you, your Majesty. I'm 

sure it would convince him ! 
arbutus. Well, it's against the rules — but just this once. 

[Gives the wand to Moss Bud who comes and touches Hank's 

eyes. He sees them all, and stands petrified with astonishment. 

hank. By mighty! 

antlers. Now, Arbutus, since you have revealed us to this 

man, you must make him answer the charges against him. 
white face. Yes, I think we should come to an understanding. 
blinkers. He hasn't got his gun. Skin him and pick his 

feathers out! 
arbutus. Hank, the wild things of the forest say you kill 

them, not for food, but because you like killing. 
hank. No, marm, that hain't true. What's the difference 

between killin' game to eat, and killin' it to get money to 

buy things to eat! 
blinkers. But nobody eats owls. 
hank. Yes — but if I didn't shoot owls somebody else would. 

No, if you want to stop the killin' of owls and harmless crit- 
ters like that, it ain't the hunters you want to talk to. It's 

the fine folks in the city who wears bird's wings and such 

foolishness in their hats that's to blame, — not us men who 

has to hunt for a livin'. 
arbutus. That does not excuse the hunter who does what he 

knows is wrong just for the money it will bring him. 
hank. That's so — I hadn't never thought o' that. 
arbutus. As guardian of the forest creatures, I have returned 

good for evil. Do you know why I caused your gun to 

disappear? 
hank. No'm. I thought I did, but I guess I don't. 



514 A Treasury of Plays for Children 

arbutus. Then look! 

[She waves her wand, and Sabrina and Thomas enter from the 

cave. 
jane. You see, Hank, I told you they were there. 
sabrina. Wa'al, Hank, I was wonderin' what time you 

'xpected to get here. 

[Thomas joins Jane; Moss Bud touches his eyes, and he is in- 
troduced to the others. 
hank (looking at her, dazed). An' if I'd a shot into that cave,. 

I'd a killed Sabriny! (To Arbutus) That settles it, marm 

— I'll never shoot another harmless critter s'long as I 

live! 
ursa (coming down). This is all very well, but how about my 

babies — they're just as badly off as ever. 
hank. Why, I'm dreadful sorry, ma'am, but you see I really 

didn't know how 'twas. I'll bring them cubs back myself 

first thing to-morrow mornin'. 

ursa (looking at him). I suppose I can trust you 

sabrina. Yes, marm, you kin. 

ursa. Very well, I'll wait by the cave until they come. 

arbutus. I can liberate them now, Ursa, if Hank will give 

me the key. 
hank (giving her key). Here — take the pesky thing! 
arbutus (taking key and touching it with wand). Oh, key, I 

command you to fly to your lock and open it at once. (She 

throws the key out, waving wand as in Act I) Cellar door at 

Cloverdale Farm — Open ! Children of Ursa, come out — 

follow the path to the woods — turn toward your cave — 

through the pine forest — to the Ring ! 

[Enter three Children, dressed in cub skins; they rush over to 

Ursa and embrace her, all overjoyed. Moss Bud and Jane 

talk together. 
hank (to Sabrina). Sabriny, don't you think you might give 

me my answer now? 
sabrina. I won't give it to yer now, Hank, before all these 

people, but I don't mind telling you it's goin' to be "yes"! 

[Hank and Sabrina go up stage and fraternize with Animals. 






The Forest Ring 515 

antlers. A cup of dew to seal the compact of our friendship. 
[Peach Bloom and Mouse Ear bring a pitcher, made of a large 
leaf, and flowers for glasses. Hank and Antlers pledge each 
other. 

jane {who has been talking to Moss Bud). Oh, Moss Bud, do 
you really mean that I can never see you again? I wanted 
so much to be friends with you 

moss bud. Yes, Jane, a human being is only allowed to see 
fairies during one day. It's the old fairy law, and it's 
perfectly hateful. I wish I was a human child, so that 
I could have all the good times you've been telling me 
about. 

jane. I wish you were, Moss Bud, — we'd have been such 
chums. 

arbutus {crossing to Jane and Moss Bud). What's the matter, 
children? You look very sad. 

moss bud. Oh, Mamma, couldn't you turn me into a human 
child, or Jane into a fairy, so we wouldn't have to say good- 
bye? 

arbutus. No, my child, I'm afraid not. When a human 
being has once entered the Ring, he can always come to it 
again, if he does so in sympathy, and talk to the fairies, 
and if he listens very hard he will find that the fairies always 
answer him. 

moss bud. You'll come — won't you, Jane? 

jane. Indeed I will — often. 

moss bud. I must leave you in a moment now; kiss me 
good-bye, Jane. 
[Jane does so. A burst of merriment from the others drinking. 

arbutus. The moon is going under a cloud; the twenty-four 
hours are up. Good-bye, Jane! 

jane. Good-bye, your Majesty! — good-bye all! {The stage 
becomes dark as in Act I. General chorus of good-byes. When 
lights are up, Jane, Thomas, Hank and Sabrina are alone) 
Good-bye, Moss Bud! 

moss bud {faintly outside). Good-bye! 

jane {softly to Sabrina). Didn't you hear it, Aunt Sabrina? 



516 A Treasury of Plays for Children 

sabrina (softly). I guess 'twas only the echo, child! Come, 
we must be goin' hum. 

[Hank and Sabrina exeunt, talking, followed by Jane and 
Thomas. A whippoorwill is heard. Stage same as in Act 
I, The Ring fades away. Fairy music. 

CURTAIN 



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